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Richard Roundtree
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Richard Roundtree Narrator A leading actor for over 30 years with more than 50 feature films to his credit, Richard Roundtree is established as a constant force in the entertainment industry. His career began with stage work in a series of Off-Broadway productions, membership in the acclaimed Negro Ensemble Company, and a star turn on Broadway as Jack Johnson in "The Great White Hope." International fame came with the 70s film hit SHAFT, which was followed by two film sequels, a television series, and a recent re-make of the original film, all of which serve to make Mr. Roundtree synonymous with the dashing private eye and supercop. But SHAFT is only one portion of Mr. Roundtree's diverse repertoire. He went on to work in major film productions with Clint Eastwood, Robert Shaw, Peter O'Toole, Richard Harris, David Niven, Tony Curtis, and Laurence Olivier, among others. Currently featured in a recurring role on Showtime's series, SOUL FOOD, Mr. Roundtree's previous work on the home screen included continuing roles in OUTLAWS, 413 HOPE STREET, and BUDDIES.
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Richard Roundtree was a child of the streets. He had a good home to go to, but from an early age (about eight) he started spending more and more time away from it. His parents were immigrants from Jamaica, but Richard himself was born in London, the only city he really knows.
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Richard Roundtree received international fame starring as John Shaft in the trio of movies "Shaft" "Shaft in Africa" and "Shaft's Big Score." His additional film credits include "City Heat," "Seven," "George of the Jungle" and "Man Friday." His television credits include starring roles in "413 Hope Street" and the upcoming new Aaron Spelling series "Rescue 77," a leading role in the mini-series "Roots" and a recurring role in the series "Roc."
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"Richard Roundtree spoke at BIO 2005, the largest biotechnology convention in the world. [He] addressed a hugely diverse audience that included scientists, biotechnology CEOs, science media, students from high school to post graduate school, and numerous patient advocates and medical specialists. His presentation was moving and poignant as he addressed the issues of learning that one has cancer and then overcoming such an extraordinary ordeal. Mr. Roundtree's commitment to helping others provided inspiration to the biotechnology companies to redouble their efforts to find better treatments and cures for diseases."
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Richard Roundtree will always be known as the original John Shaft – and that’s a good thing. For years, he tried disassociating himself from his iconic 1970s role, until sometime in the 90s he realized he embodied in John Shaft the leader of a movement in a period of self-expression – an era lost. While some associate his films as “blaxploitation,” Roundtree himself claims they’re not, at least not the original 1971 “Shaft” directed by Gordon Parks. Really, he’s a badass in badass movies.
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At 59, Richard Roundtree is still handsome, but nothing like cool-man Shaft. No trademark leather jacket for him. On this warm, sunny day, he wears shorts, a red T-shirt, and a baseball cap. Roundtree is gentle-mannered, soft-spoken, and reflective. And to his credit, he’s not too macho to talk about male breast cancer. At least not now that he’s been free of the disease for 8 years.
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Richard Roundtree